The drive from Santa Fe North to Taos is a distance of about 90 miles. It usually takes at least 2 hours to drive as there are so many interesting things to see and do along the way.If you start out from Santa Fe very early you can stop at Julianna's Cantina in Espanola and have a fabulous New Mexico breakfast of Huevos Rancheros made with blue corn tortillas, or pinon nut pancakes and sage honey.
As you pass thru Indian Reservation lands you can buy gas much cheaper than "off res". Artisan's studios beckon with pottery, sculpture, silver and turquoise jewelry, baskets and clothing. Other vendors sell long strands and wreaths of red chili peppers as well as fresh fruits and vegetables - and of course, New Mexico chili powder!
The road to Taos closely follows the Rio Grande river valley as it flows South from the San Juan Mountains of Southern Colorado. Near Taos the Rio Grande has eroded an immense gorge thru the flat plain. As you near Taos there is an area where the gorge comes into view from the highway. A great gash in the earth that is startling and unexpected. The magnificent scale of the landscape, combined with the contrast of the vast, flat plain fractured by the gorge is breath-taking.
This spot is a magnet for artists of course. When painting there you can watch weather as it unfolds 20 miles away or more. The march of thunderstorms, the play of light and cloud shadow constantly changes the color and feeling of the scene. This magic spot has recently been acquired as a park and so will be preserved for all to enjoy in the future. I recommend painting at this spot with a companion - safety in numbers!
